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Depression is a persistent low mood that can affect nearly every part of your life. It often brings feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, and can lead to a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
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Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone—it can range from mild to severe.
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In its mildest form, depression might make you feel disconnected or low. Daily tasks may feel like an effort, and you might struggle to find motivation or joy in the things you once loved.
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When depression becomes more moderate or severe, it can start to have a significant impact on your ability to function. You may find it hard to focus at work, connect with others, or enjoy hobbies and social activities.
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The key difference between mild, moderate, and severe depression lies in the number of symptoms, their intensity, and how much they disrupt your life and wellbeing.
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Life events such as long-term unemployment, living in an abusive relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness, prolonged work stress.
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​Family history– Depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk. However, having a parent or close relative with depression doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have the same experience.
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Personality– Some people may be more at risk of depression because of their personality, particularly if they have a tendency to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative.
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Serious medical illness - this can be sudden, prolonged or ongoing.
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Substance and alcohol abuse – Substance and alcohol abuse can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression use substance and/or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which worsen and prolong their condition.
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​You may be depressed if, for more than two weeks, you've felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, or have lost interest or pleasure in usual activities, and have also experienced several of the signs and symptoms across at least three of the categories below.
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It’s important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms from time to time, and it may not necessarily mean you're depressed. Equally, not everyone who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.
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Behaviours:
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Not wanting to leave the house
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Lack of productivity with work or school
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Withdrawing from close family and friends
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Increased use of alcohol and/or substances
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Not enjoying usual activities
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Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts:
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"I’m a failure"
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"It’s my fault"
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"Nothing good ever happens to me"
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"I’m worthless.'
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"Life’s not worth living"
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"People would be better off without me"
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"What's the point?"
Feelings:
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Overwhelmed
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Guilty
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Irritable
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Frustrated
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Lacking in confidence
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Unhappy
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Indecisive
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Disappointed
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Miserable
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Sad
Physical:
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Tired all the time
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Headaches and muscle pains
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Nausea or digestive issues
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Sleep problems
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Loss or change of appetite
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Significant weight loss or gain
For more information about depression and its effects see the Beyond Blue website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression